Book Finder

Runny Babbit talk is created by spoonerisms, switching the first sound in a pair of words, so a “silly book” becomes a “billy sook.” Kids build their phonemic awareness without even trying! The audio book narrator’s slightly gravelly voice is ideal for sharing these funny poems (completed though not published before the popular poet’s death in 1999).

This story prepares a child for what to expect at a traditional American wedding, from the point of view of the ring bearer. The simple rhyming text concludes with the bride and groom driving off, the ring bearer and other children throwing seeds for good luck – for “This is the way/The wedding will go.”

The song made famous by jazz great Ella Fitzgerald in the 1930s has been re-created, re-energized and newly presented in a picture book version. Sprightly cut paper collage illustrations show two children losing and ultimately finding both a lost basket and a friendship.

This collection of children’s rhymes is drawn from Spanish-speaking countries and is presented in both Spanish and English. The music that accompanies each song appears on delicately illustrated pages that children will want to hear again and again.

A familiar traditional Shaker hymn has been interpreted in bold, semi-abstract, jewel-toned illustrations reminiscent of artist Paul Klee. A cat, squirrel, bird and turtle characters create the feel of the music.

This attractively animated collection of lively songs and rhyming games is a great opportunity to have fun with language! Written in both English and Spanish, this playful book expands your word game repertoire.

Inspired by jazz great Charlie Parker, rhythm and repetition are woven together to create a musical effect. Animated watercolors and lively text combine in a story that begs to be read aloud.

The tale of herdsman Ki-pat is set on a dry African plain and is told in the familiar cadence of “The House that Jack Built”. Animals are introduced, tension builds and the resolution pours forth as the rhyme builds. Stylized illustrations create place and mood in this engaging verse.

Travel with a community helper from an earlier time as Mr. Plimpton delivers milk and other dairy products along with a good deal of good will and care to the homes along his route. Richly-colored, highly-detailed illustrations highlight the changes as daylight grows and Mr. Plimpton completes his work.

Zippy text in the cadence of a familiar song combine with madcap illustrations of a paint-crazed boy who, when stopped from painting his entire house, starts painting himself from head to toe! Readers will recognize the utter silliness as they enjoy the color-splashed pages.

Literalist housekeeper Amelia Bedelia is back to help a teacher with the science fair. Snappy dialogue, slapstick humor, and recognizable situations are easy to read and sure to engage.

Everyone has had a moment or a day in which nothing seems to be going right. These short, gently illustrated poems not only recall some of these uncomfortable moments, but are sure to help readers recognize the humor in them.

From ten to one, little sleepyheads in colorful night clothes count down to sleep; that is, all but one bug who is not sleepy at all. And so begins the countdown again. Actual insects upon which the comical illustrations are drawn are shown and labeled on the end pages.

Rhymes, games and even insults have been part of an oral tradition as long as there have been children, outdoor activities and playgrounds (remember “Liar, liar, pants on fire…”or “I’m rubber, you’re glue….”?). These lively ditties combine with humorous illustrations for a contemporary and playful look at a shared childhood tradition.

Sly humor and tricky truths emerge from each rhyme in this genuinely humorous collection as each poem reminds children and adults of their behaviors and foibles. Black line drawings accompany each imaginative verse which begs to be shared aloud.

The very short poems compiled here explore the ordinary in extraordinary ways. The terse language and simple illustrations do not abbreviate but heighten wonder and delight.

Awful Ogre’s day is much like anyone else’s, but with an ogre-ish twist. He uses onion juice as a mouthwash with just a dab on his chin, writes love letters to a delightfully disgusting ogress and more. The clever rhyming verse and dark-lined illustrations are filled with humor and visual jokes that will make this collection of poetry awfully popular.

The basics of the events that led up to the Boston Tea Party in 1773 are revealed gradually, building through the familiar cadence of “The House That Jack Built.” Rhyming text and realistic illustrations successfully introduce the event that preceded the Revolutionary War. Small Colonial and English mice appear on each page, adding humor and a touch of information to this otherwise straightforward, clearly illustrated historical book.

Delightful dinosaurs strut, jaunt, and parade across the sturdy pages of this book to the rhythm of a gently rhyming text. Young children respond to the lively language and illustrations in which dinosaurs introduce new words and ideas.

Told from a dog’s point of view and viewed from unusual artistic perspectives, these funny, rhythmic, and child-like poems bound through a year from January to December.

Using the alphabet as a pattern, paintings and brief poems explore rural life in Mexico presented first in Spanish and followed by English. From A to Z, brilliant illustrations and fluid poems evoke the plants, and more and the emotional impact on the lives of farm workers.

Evocative poems explore a rainbow of color and emotion in vivid language, satisfying rhythm and handsome illustrations.

A contemporary child delights in observing his shadow is depicted by crisp line and wash paintings in this accessible picture book of a classic poem.

Illustrations by nine Caldecott Medal artists are as varied in style and tone as the poems in this handsome, themed, and well-organized collection of poetry.